The new first-graders at St. Hubertus Primary School had barely entered their classrooms when the next surprise arrived: bright blue drinking bottles presented by Stadtwerke Kevelaer and NiersEnergie. Not only here, but at all elementary school in Kevelaer and the surrounding villages, almost 300 of these long-lasting companions were distributed during the first days of school - a firm gesture at the start of school since 2016. "We want children to learn early on how valuable our drinking water is and how easy it is to enjoy - without any disposable bottles," emphasizes Wolfgang Toonen, Operations Manager of Stadtwerke Kevelaer and Managing Director of its own electricity subsidiary NiersEnergie. The bottles are made of durable Tritan, are free from plasticizers, tasteless and dishwasher-safe. Thanks to their wide opening, they are easy to fill: whether with tap water or, from time to time, a refreshing spritzer.
Water dispenser as a supplement
In many schools, children can refill their bottles directly on site. Modern drinking water dispensers, financed by Stadtwerke and NiersEnergie, partly in cooperation with Sparkasse Rhein-Maas, ensure this. "This means that the children have fresh water at all times, whether at break, before PE or after a strenuous lesson," says Hendrik Kruß, Head of Service and Transport. "If you use your bottle regularly, you not only save money, but also avoid a lot of plastic waste."
More than just a welcome
The campaign has a special meaning for the school management. "It shows the children that they are part of a community right from the start: You belong now, and we want you to do well," says principal Helga Dückers-Janßen. "At the same time, they learn that drinking enough is important for concentration and well-being and that everyone can make a contribution to protecting the environment."
Many families report that the bottles are still in use years after the children have started school - whether in the playground, at soccer training or on excursions. For the initiators, this is the best proof that their idea is working.
Caption:
The new first-graders at St. Hubertus Primary School, together with their teachers Ms. Vinmans, Ms. Hoffmann, Mr. Wißfeld, Ms. Kessels and principal Ms. Dückers-Janßen, are delighted with the new drinking bottles from Stadtwerke Kevelaer and NiersEnergie, which were presented by Wolfgang Toonen and Hendrik Kruß.